Planning Department Updates

By Nina Kelly, Chief of Planning

Updating the ADA Transition Plan

The Metroparks Planning Department is embarking on a large project to update the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) transition plan. It was developed when the legislation was originally enacted to guide the removal of physical barriers within all 13 Metroparks. Due to the updated requirements of the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design, staff will initially review the original plan, followed by an assessment of existing conditions and identification of gaps. The 2010 standards include common elements of the “built environment” such as buildings, parking lots, access routes and recreational facilities. In 2013, guidelines for outdoor developed areas including campgrounds, picnic areas, trails and beaches were introduced. Staff will consult other relevant documents in this initial phase, including the 2018-2022 Community Recreation Plan, individual park master plans, and a recent systemwide inventory of parking lots, access routes, restrooms and recreational facilities.

Shelden Trails Development Project

Based on public input gathered during the Stony Creek Metropark Master Plan, the Planning Department is overseeing the consultants who will create a conceptual design for improving the Shelden and Trolley trails. Project goals include the development of year-round trail facilities for multiple user groups including mountain bikers, hikers/runners, fat tire cyclists, wildlife observers, and cross-country skiers. This will be achieved with an eye toward improving safety, accessibility, and navigability, while avoiding and mitigating potential negative impacts to biodiversity areas. Learn More

We want your input! An online survey has been created to gather information on use patterns, issues, and opportunities on the existing Shelden and Trolley trail systems. Please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SheldenTrails to share your feedback. The survey will be available through Monday, October 1, 2018. Phase 1 of the design process is estimated for completion by the end of the year.

Stormwater Management Plan

The Metroparks is hosting a series of Stormwater Workshops to gather input for the Metroparks Stormwater Management Plan. The purpose of a Stormwater Management Plan is to guide improvements for controlling stormwater (also known as rainwater) runoff through collection, storage and movement. The Stormwater Workshops will include an overview of the plan’s purpose and lead attendees through a series of engaging activities to gather your thoughts and concerns about the Metroparks existing stormwater system and ultimately help provide direction to the plan.

Please check the locations and times below to attend a meeting in your area:

For over 35 years the Detroit River Hawk Watch has been conducted in one form or another at Lake Erie Metropark; and the boat launch in the park has been the primary site for over 20 of those years. Today, through the efforts of such organizations as the Detroit River Wildlife Refuge, the Detroit River Wildlife Refuge Alliance, the Hawk Migration Association of North America, The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Huron-Clinton Metroparks the migration of raptors over the Detroit River Hawk Watch site is monitored. The information gathered is used to study the long-term trends of our raptor species; and to educate the public through programs like those presented at the annual Hawkfest celebration at the Lake Erie Metropark Marshlands Museum.

Dear Patrons: As part of our on-going water quality efforts, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks will be inspecting and assessing it’s green infrastructure at Lake St. Clair Metropark. Specifically, the Metroparks as part of an agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must conduct regular inspections and maintenance of green storm water infrastructure. During this time, you will see work relating to maintaining, inspecting and assessing the condition of the stormwater system. When work is complete the vegetation along the bioswales will be allowed to regrow and swales will be returned to their pre-inspection condition. Thank you for your patience as we work through this project.